Blackburn Introduces Legislation To Improve Tennessee Supply Chains

Statement

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced legislation along with Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) to improve Tennessee supply chains by utilizing public-private partnerships. The Improving Memphis' Supply Chain Act will instruct the Department of Transportation to streamline the way products move throughout the mid-south in a more efficient and effective manner.

"Our nation is in the midst of a supply chain crisis," said Senator Blackburn. "Backlogs at local ports have resulted in delays for Tennessee truck drivers and train conductors transporting goods to store shelves. My Improving Chassis Capacity for Memphis' Supply Chain Act is a state-specific solution that will make supply chains more efficient for Tennesseans."

"There is a shortage of intermodal equipment, which is a key component in the transportation supply chain," said Senator Wicker. "The rail ramps around Memphis see an extensive exchange of containers from rail to truck, and the lack of available chassis has limited freight capacity, harming both importers and exporters. I am glad to join Senator Blackburn in introducing this bill along with the FREIGHT Act so we can bring our shipping operations up to speed and alleviate the ongoing freight congestion."

Representative David Kustoff (R-Tenn.) introduced a version of this legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"The Memphis region, known as America's Distribution Center, plays a critical role in the movement of freight and goods across the country and globe. Unfortunately, the United States is currently experiencing serious supply chain disruptions. One of the primary causes of this crisis is due to the lack of chassis needed to move containers from ports and rail facilities. This not only slows the flow of freight, but it also increases the cost of products for shippers and consumers in Tennessee and across our nation," said Representative David Kustoff. "My bill will encourage collaboration between logistics stakeholders to help modernize chassis provisioning and increase freight capacity. More importantly, it will allow the private sector to step into this process and help enhance the movement of freight in the Memphis region. I thank Senator Blackburn for joining me in introducing this much needed legislation, and I look forward to its quick passage."

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